Supabase
The Postgres Development Platform
Overview
Supabase is an open-source developer platform that simplifies backend application development by building directly on top of PostgreSQL. Every project deployed on Supabase includes a fully featured Postgres database, complete with relational data management, extensions, and row-level security (RLS) policies. By utilizing Postgres as its backbone, Supabase allows developers to build scalable production applications without being locked into proprietary database structures. In addition to database hosting, Supabase provides an integrated suite of backend capabilities. This includes instant auto-generated RESTful and GraphQL APIs, managed authentication with email, OAuth, and magic links, serverless TypeScript Edge Functions powered by Deno, realtime data subscriptions over websockets, object storage with on-the-fly image transformations, and native vector search capabilities for AI applications. Designed for speed and scalability, Supabase caters to developers, startups, and enterprise teams moving from prototype to scale. With built-in tools like a visual Table Editor, SQL Editor, and database linters, developers can manage their data, configure security policies, and deploy infrastructure without handling raw server setup.
Best for: Developers, startups, and enterprises building web and mobile applications who need an open-source Postgres backend with integrated auth, APIs, edge functions, and storage.
Pros and cons
What works well
- Full access to a standard, portable PostgreSQL database with Row Level Security.
- Comprehensive suite combining database, authentication, file storage, edge functions, and vector search.
- Auto-generates both REST and GraphQL APIs directly from Postgres schema definitions.
Where it falls short
- Free projects are automatically paused after 1 week of inactivity.
- Accounts on the free tier are limited to a maximum of 2 active projects.
- Enterprise compliance features like HIPAA require paid add-ons or higher subscription tiers.
Pricing
Free
$0 / month
Includes unlimited API requests, 50,000 monthly active users, 500 MB database size, 1 GB file storage, and 5 GB egress for up to 2 active projects.
Pro
From $25 / month
Includes 100,000 monthly active users, 8 GB disk size per project, 250 GB egress, 100 GB file storage, daily backups stored for 7 days, and email support.
Team
From $599 / month
Adds SOC2 and ISO 27001 certifications, project-scoped access, SSO for the dashboard, priority support with SLAs, and 14-day backup retention.
Enterprise
Custom
Custom plan for large-scale applications offering designated support managers, 24x7 premium support, BYO Cloud option, uptime SLAs, and custom security review.
User reviews
Frequently asked questions
What is Supabase?
Supabase is an open-source development platform built on top of PostgreSQL, offering managed database hosting, authentication, auto-generated REST/GraphQL APIs, edge functions, realtime database listening, and file storage.
What is included in the Supabase Free plan?
The Free plan includes unlimited API requests, 50,000 monthly active users, 500 MB database space, 1 GB file storage, 5 GB egress, and community support for up to 2 active projects.
Why do free projects get paused?
Free tier projects on Supabase are automatically paused after 1 week of inactivity to conserve resources.
Does Supabase support AI and vector databases?
Yes, Supabase supports vector embeddings, allowing developers to store, index, and search vector data for AI applications with integrations for OpenAI, Hugging Face, and Model Context Protocol (MCP).
What security compliance certifications does Supabase hold?
Supabase is SOC2 Type 2 certified, ISO 27001 certified, and HIPAA compliant (HIPAA is available as a paid add-on on Team/Enterprise plans).
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